Windows 7: Home OS by Microsoft

Read more here:
HomeOS A Microsoft Operating System for the Home - Everything Microsoft | Leading Unofficial Microsoft Site

Here is the Microsoft Research article about this OS: homeos - Microsoft Research

This looks awesome to me.

I will pass. Instead of rebooting the computer after a crash, you will have to unplug all of your appliances, reboot the computer, go into device manager to reconfigure all of your appliances, then order out because of exception error on your stove and microwave.

lol

I like the idea, and if it takes off - I'd give it a few years to 'mature'.

Your refrigerator would be equipped with a scanner that would keep track of the contents and condition of every item inside, and display it on a panel on the outside of the unit. Your cabinets would work the same way for dry goods. All linked to your PC. It could notify you when you're getting low on Cherrios or cans of soup and even re-order from the store for immediate pick-up or hold for more items.

It could take your blood pressure and blood oxygen content every time your sit down on the toilet with sensors in the seat. And if you standing, a scanner measures the length and volume by calculating the difference in the contents of the bowl. Your blankets record your tempurature, and HVAC system measures your respiration.

Infrared sensors calculate your caloric output, while the floor weighs you.

All viewing, listening, browsing and verbal data is stored and analysed by the Home OS (by Microsoft), and passed onto the Health Regulation Bureau, as required by law.

Great, so instead of just my talking electronic scale insulting me, now the fridge and stove will chime in as well.

seems pointless I don't need a refrigerator OS too tell me something is going bad ...

Home control systems have been around for years. At least 10-15 years. And smart appliances have been around for at least 3-5 years. It would be nice to see a "standard" though.

I sure would hate logging in and get a PM that my tapioca pudding is now three days old and the refrigerator will run a defrag.

Or that my heath insurer is raising my premium because I opened the refrigerator door too often.

Bill gates - Open the car bay door BOB.
Home OS - I'm sorry, Bill. I'm afraid I can't do that.

Hi there
don't write this off so quick.

Have a look at the Windows 8 Forums.
The Windows 2 Go or windows on a stick seems a starting point for this type of stuff --AND it WORKS too.

The base install loads to your USB drive / usb stick -- and then when you boot from it (It;s a proper running Windows system -- not an "Install" type of operation -- it will find and initialize hardware as far as it can on ANY computer.

I've used this stuff on at least 4 or 5 totally different machines and it's worked EVERY time.

Windows 8 To Go - Setup on a USB Flash Drive or USB Disk - Windows 8 Forums

OK slightly different application but you should be able to get the idea. A Generic OS could control 1000's of devices.

You need to "extrapolate" a bit beyond what the OS delivers today and what it *Could deliver* in the future.

cheers
jimbo

lol thanks